I’m always one for giving, and I love to see celebrities giving back, paving the way and using their celebrity for good. One thing I have always admired is how celebrity athletes continue to give even after retirement. One such celeb is former Miami Dolphin, Alphonso Roundtree and his Gridiron Classic (GIC). A few weeks ago I had the chance to chat with Mr. Roundtree who told me it was his humble upbringing in South Florida, that made him want to give back. Since 2009. The Gridiron Classic has offered a one-of-a-kind sports platform for youth ages 8–17 to meet and play with pro-football players and celebrities as well as law enforcement. The classic voyaged to Washington, DC for the first time last month, in partnership with energy company NRG. Over the past three years, the Gridiron Classic has impacted more than 1,500 youth between the ages of 8-17 in the Houston area. In 2013, the Gridiron Classic continues to expand and has already been held in Houston, Philadelphia and is now headed to Chicago.
At a time when tensions and issues surrounding young, urban youth is on the rise, the Gridiron Classic is continuing to drive its synergies with local and community figures, including firefighters and local police officers to strengthen the ties between law enforcement/local servicemen and inner-city youth. Gridiron Classic provides a platform for law enforcement to direct reach and connect with youth in the community in a fun, non-threatening way; which is unique to our camp. Kids face off with the local heroes including officers, firefighters and other public servants, and former NFL players in a Celeb Flag Football Game.
First started in Houston in 2009, the Gridiron Classic success prompted the expansion this year to Washington D.C., as well as Philadelphia and Chicago. Each city’s activities will include youth football and cheerleading camps, celebrity player meet-and-greets, a health fair, a High School Stud Combine, and a celebrity flag football game. Participants will be admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on camp and event capacity.
Each year, GIC offers an unrivaled opportunity for children to interact with and learn from influential thought leaders, celebrities, and youth advocates in the sports and business community. This year promises to be one of the biggest years for the Gridiron Classic to date.
The Gridiron Classic, now in its fourth year continues to grow rapidly and has established a strong reputation for using the power and influence of sports to positively impact the lives of young people. Additional information is available at www.thegridironclassic.com.
Needless to say, this camp is well-needed on so may levels and we are excited about how the Gridiron Classic empowers our youth to be more active, learn more about nutrition and be able to talk about things that impact their lives every day!
